Liverpool has replied to interest in Darwin Nunez after Al-Nassr approached the Uruguayan striker, according to reports. The Reds spent roughly £85 million for Nunez in 2022, after he scored 34 goals in 41 matches for Benfica the previous season, but his transfer has not gone as planned.

Liverpool are having a fantastic Premier League season, with Arne Slot leading them to the top of the standings in his first season in command. Slot could hardly have asked for a better start to his Liverpool career after leaving Feyenoord in the summer to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Liverpool is presently six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal in the standings, and the Reds have a game in hand on their nearest rivals.

Nunez, on the other hand, has been under fire this season, scoring only four goals in 17 games and falling out of favour with Slot. This sparked speculation that Manchester United are planning a move for him this summer, while other teams have also been mentioned as prospective suitors. Last week, Paul Merson chastised Nunez for making Mohamed Salah feel “a bit claustrophobic” when they were on the pitch together. Merson commented, “I know Darwin Nunez made an amazing cameo off the bench against Brentford. But I’m still certain he should start the game as a centre-forward. Mohamed Salah performs better when Nunez is not on the team! Nunez stays up front and when he does that, it makes Salah a bit claustrophobic in my opinion.”

Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League approached Nunez, but according to The Athletic, Liverpool told them that they are not now interested in doing business.

Al-Nassr appears to be interested in signing Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, with French publication L’Equipe reporting that the Premier League club is ‘ready to accept an offer more than €70m (£59m)’.